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Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 begin to check role-players through their Evacuation Control Center set at Del Valle Field Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, as part of a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-16 April 15, 2016. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 begin to check role-players through their Evacuation Control Center set at Del Valle Field Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, as part of a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-16 April 15, 2016.

The U.S. Special Operations Command inducted five former special operators into the USSOCOM Commando Hall of Honor located at the USSOCOM headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 20. More than 100 people attended the ceremony to honor the inductees and watched as each of the inductees received a medal from Army Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, USSOCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, USSOCOM command senior enlisted adviser. - The U.S. Special Operations Command inducted five former special operators into the USSOCOM Commando Hall of Honor located at the USSOCOM headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 20. More than 100 people attended the ceremony to honor the inductees and watched as each of the inductees received a medal from Army Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, USSOCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, USSOCOM command senior enlisted adviser.

Lance Cpl. Rafael Garcia III, left, and Lance Cpl. Marcus A. Brown, right, apprehend a role player that entered their simulated patrol base as Marines from 7th Engineer Support Battalion conduct an imitation resupply at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 25, 2016. Marines performed the training in preparation for upcoming deployments with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and Koa Moana. Garcia, a native of Mission, Texas, and Brown, from Elko, Nevada, are combat engineers with 7th ESB, 1st Marine Logistics Group. - Lance Cpl. Rafael Garcia III, left, and Lance Cpl. Marcus A. Brown, right, apprehend a role player that entered their simulated patrol base as Marines from 7th Engineer Support Battalion conduct an imitation resupply at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 25, 2016. Marines performed the training in preparation for upcoming deployments with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and Koa Moana. Garcia, a native of Mission, Texas, and Brown, from Elko, Nevada, are combat engineers with 7th ESB, 1st Marine Logistics Group.

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, begins to takeoff April 17, 2016 from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan. United States Forces, Japan is providing operational airlift support in coordination with the Government of Japan’s efforts to provide relief following the devastating earthquake near Kumamoto. - An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, begins to takeoff April 17, 2016 from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan. United States Forces, Japan is providing operational airlift support in coordination with the Government of Japan’s efforts to provide relief following the devastating earthquake near Kumamoto.

Sgt. Chris Piette secures a transom of a Bailey bridge at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 13, 2016. Piette is a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, I Marine Logistics Group, and is a De Pere, Wisconsin native. The bridge provides mobility during times of flooding and severe rain. - Sgt. Chris Piette secures a transom of a Bailey bridge at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 13, 2016. Piette is a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, I Marine Logistics Group, and is a De Pere, Wisconsin native. The bridge provides mobility during times of flooding and severe rain.

Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. David A. Berger speaks to the Marines of 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, after a demonstration on 3-D printing technology at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 6, 2016. Berger is the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force. The battalion demonstrated the potential of 3-D printing capabilities to the commanders of I MEF and 1st MLG. Still in the testing phase with the printers, the battalion has already discovered endless possibilities as to how they can integrate the technology into their mission. - U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. David A. Berger speaks to the Marines of 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, after a demonstration on 3-D printing technology at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 6, 2016. Berger is the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force. The battalion demonstrated the potential of 3-D printing capabilities to the commanders of I MEF and 1st MLG. Still in the testing phase with the printers, the battalion has already discovered endless possibilities as to how they can integrate the technology into their mission.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion guides an amphibious assault vehicle during a gunnery skills exercise at Marine COrps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 13, 2016. The company conducted the training to prepare for their upcoming participation in the Integrated Training Exercise. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion guides an amphibious assault vehicle during a gunnery skills exercise at Marine COrps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 13, 2016. The company conducted the training to prepare for their upcoming participation in the Integrated Training Exercise.

1st Lt. Daniel Miller, a member of the All-Marine Wrestling team, gets behind his opponents back to score two points during a match at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials in Iowa City, Iowa April 9. Miller competed in the 215–pound weight class and was one of four Marines competing at the event. - 1st Lt. Daniel Miller, a member of the All-Marine Wrestling team, gets behind his opponents back to score two points during a match at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials in Iowa City, Iowa April 9. Miller competed in the 215–pound weight class and was one of four Marines competing at the event.

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Nathan Aldaco, a 12 year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, along with his brother and sister learn about TNT during a Make-A-Wish event supported by 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, at Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 24, 2016. Marines with 7th ESB and Explosive Ordnance Disposal helped to make Nathan’s wish of training with Marines come true by demonstrating the capabilities of their EOD robots and detonating TNT, C4, dynamite and blasting caps, while the heavy equipment operators gave him the opportunity to ride the D7 dozer and the excavator, in which he dug a pit, built a berm, and broke several large tree trunks. - Nathan Aldaco, a 12 year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, along with his brother and sister learn about TNT during a Make-A-Wish event supported by 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, at Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 24, 2016. Marines with 7th ESB and Explosive Ordnance Disposal helped to make Nathan’s wish of training with Marines come true by demonstrating the capabilities of their EOD robots and detonating TNT, C4, dynamite and blasting caps, while the heavy equipment operators gave him the opportunity to ride the D7 dozer and the excavator, in which he dug a pit, built a berm, and broke several large tree trunks.

Cpl. Anthony Lubbers, designated marksmanship instructor, Combat Center Marksmanship Training Unit, prepares to breach a door during the Western Regional Combat Match at Marine Corps Air Combat Center, April 8, 2016. - Cpl. Anthony Lubbers, designated marksmanship instructor, Combat Center Marksmanship Training Unit, prepares to breach a door during the Western Regional Combat Match at Marine Corps Air Combat Center, April 8, 2016.

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M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks with Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, stage in the Blacktop training area during 7th Marine Regiment’s Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center April 6, 2016. CALFEX served as the kinetic portion of Desert Scimitar 16, an annual 1st Marine Division training evolution. - M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks with Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, stage in the Blacktop training area during 7th Marine Regiment’s Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center April 6, 2016. CALFEX served as the kinetic portion of Desert Scimitar 16, an annual 1st Marine Division training evolution.

Lance Cpl. Tevin Brown, an automatic rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, charges toward an objective during a platoon attack training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 12, 2016. The training event afforded the Marines an opportunity to develop and improve their strategies under stressful combat situations. - Lance Cpl. Tevin Brown, an automatic rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, charges toward an objective during a platoon attack training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 12, 2016. The training event afforded the Marines an opportunity to develop and improve their strategies under stressful combat situations.

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U.S. Marines and Tunisian Groupement des Forces Speciales conduct convoy night operation training during an exercise in Bizerte, Tunisia, Mar. 21- Apr. 8, 2016. The Marine vehicle maintenance and assistance team trained with their Tunisian counterparts to increase the counter terrorism capabilities of the GFS. - U.S. Marines and Tunisian Groupement des Forces Speciales conduct convoy night operation training during an exercise in Bizerte, Tunisia, Mar. 21- Apr. 8, 2016. The Marine vehicle maintenance and assistance team trained with their Tunisian counterparts to increase the counter terrorism capabilities of the GFS.

A Marine with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, guides a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher during Spring Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 31, 2016. The regiment, comprised of four artillery battalions and a headquarters battalion, put their skills to the test during a large-scale, combined-arms training evolution in preparation for future deployments and operations. - A Marine with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, guides a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher during Spring Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 31, 2016. The regiment, comprised of four artillery battalions and a headquarters battalion, put their skills to the test during a large-scale, combined-arms training evolution in preparation for future deployments and operations.

Cpl. Richard Nedlic (Right), Light Armored Vehicle crewman and Cpl. Nicholas Guiles, rifleman, both with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and students in the Urban Leaders Course, fire their weapons from the supine position during a combat marksmanship program range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 31, 2016. This firing drill is meant to train Marines to safely and accurately return fire if they fall backward while moving or are knocked down. - Cpl. Richard Nedlic (Right), Light Armored Vehicle crewman and Cpl. Nicholas Guiles, rifleman, both with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and students in the Urban Leaders Course, fire their weapons from the supine position during a combat marksmanship program range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 31, 2016. This firing drill is meant to train Marines to safely and accurately return fire if they fall backward while moving or are knocked down.

An Amphibious Assault Vehicle with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion engages simulated enemy targets during a qualification course during Heavy Brigade Combat Team training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 5, 2016. The training allows the unit to strengthen their working relationship and maintain weapons proficiency to remain being a reliable asset for amphibious operations. - An Amphibious Assault Vehicle with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion engages simulated enemy targets during a qualification course during Heavy Brigade Combat Team training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 5, 2016. The training allows the unit to strengthen their working relationship and maintain weapons proficiency to remain being a reliable asset for amphibious operations.

An opposing force kneels in front of a riot control squad with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 during the unit’s non-lethal weapons training final exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 25, 2016. The battalion had to qualify through the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa. - An opposing force kneels in front of a riot control squad with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 during the unit’s non-lethal weapons training final exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 25, 2016. The battalion had to qualify through the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa.

Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 perform function checks for the flight of the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow, an unmanned aerial system, at the Cannon Air Defense Complex in Yuma, Arizona, March 25, 2016. Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 and MWSS-274 supported VMU-1 by building a runway in preparation for the Shadow’s first flight at the site. - Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 perform function checks for the flight of the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow, an unmanned aerial system, at the Cannon Air Defense Complex in Yuma, Arizona, March 25, 2016. Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 and MWSS-274 supported VMU-1 by building a runway in preparation for the Shadow’s first flight at the site.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Robert McCabe, a section leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, points out areas of interest to members of his team during a perimeter patrol in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, March 21, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-CC Marines are responsible for the force protection of coalition assets at some Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve bases within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as part of the effort to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Robert McCabe, a section leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, points out areas of interest to members of his team during a perimeter patrol in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, March 21, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-CC Marines are responsible for the force protection of coalition assets at some Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve bases within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as part of the effort to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.

Marines Raiders from Company F, 2d Marine Raider Battalion, led a simulated partner nation force on ground combat patrolling tactics, techniques and procedures during a Company Collective Exercise in Fort Bragg, South Carolina, Feb. 28, 2016. The Marine Special Operations Company and individual teams where tested on their execution of basic skills as well as learned and honed new tactic, techniques and procedures. - Marines Raiders from Company F, 2d Marine Raider Battalion, led a simulated partner nation force on ground combat patrolling tactics, techniques and procedures during a Company Collective Exercise in Fort Bragg, South Carolina, Feb. 28, 2016. The Marine Special Operations Company and individual teams where tested on their execution of basic skills as well as learned and honed new tactic, techniques and procedures.

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The WWII SBD Dauntless dive-bomber showcases the heroic actions of the commanding officer of Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 232 and his observer/gunner over Guadalcanal in August 1942. After temporarily closing its doors nearly three months ago, the National Museum for the Marine Corps will re-open to the public on April 1, 2016 at 9 a.m. Visitors will discover a recently restored World War II SBD Dauntless dive bomber and Vietnam-era Sikorsky UH-34D helicopter which were installed during the closure - The WWII SBD Dauntless dive-bomber showcases the heroic actions of the commanding officer of Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 232 and his observer/gunner over Guadalcanal in August 1942. After temporarily closing its doors nearly three months ago, the National Museum for the Marine Corps will re-open to the public on April 1, 2016 at 9 a.m. Visitors will discover a recently restored World War II SBD Dauntless dive bomber and Vietnam-era Sikorsky UH-34D helicopter which were installed during the closure

Marines with Company B, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, run through smoke during a live-fire assault on Military Operations on Urban Terrain town located at Range 210 in the Combat Center training area March 24, 2016, as part of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation Exercise. 3rd LAR conducted a five-day MCCREE to evaluate the combat readiness of B Co. - Marines with Company B, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, run through smoke during a live-fire assault on Military Operations on Urban Terrain town located at Range 210 in the Combat Center training area March 24, 2016, as part of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation Exercise. 3rd LAR conducted a five-day MCCREE to evaluate the combat readiness of B Co.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Andrew Gabriel, right, a scout sniper with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, presents Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait, with a gift during the Corporals Course graduation ceremony in Kuwait on March 25, 2016. The corporals’ leadership program is designed to provide instruction for tasks developed in accordance with Marine Corps Order 1510.90, Individual Training Standards. Corporals Course is a professional military education requirement for all corporals to complete in order to be qualified for promotion. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Andrew Gabriel, right, a scout sniper with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, presents Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait, with a gift during the Corporals Course graduation ceremony in Kuwait on March 25, 2016. The corporals’ leadership program is designed to provide instruction for tasks developed in accordance with Marine Corps Order 1510.90, Individual Training Standards. Corporals Course is a professional military education requirement for all corporals to complete in order to be qualified for promotion.

Marines coordinate fires for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during an M142 HIMARS live fire exercise at Camp Pendleton March 16, 2016. During the exercise, Marines coordinated fires based on hypothetical combat situations they might encounter while deployed. The HIMARS rounds are aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and can travel to altitudes up to 75 kilometers and can precisely engage targets up to 40 miles away. The Marines are with Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines coordinate fires for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during an M142 HIMARS live fire exercise at Camp Pendleton March 16, 2016. During the exercise, Marines coordinated fires based on hypothetical combat situations they might encounter while deployed. The HIMARS rounds are aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and can travel to altitudes up to 75 kilometers and can precisely engage targets up to 40 miles away. The Marines are with Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ground guides a Tractor, Rubber-tired Articulated, Multi-purpose vehicle to load equipment onto a Landing Craft Air Cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7 during Exercise Ssang Yong 16, Dogu Beach, Pohang, South Korea, March 17, 2016. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial combined amphibious exercise conducted by U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army forces in order to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed aboard the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group as part of their spring deployment of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ground guides a Tractor, Rubber-tired Articulated, Multi-purpose vehicle to load equipment onto a Landing Craft Air Cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7 during Exercise Ssang Yong 16, Dogu Beach, Pohang, South Korea, March 17, 2016. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial combined amphibious exercise conducted by U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army forces in order to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed aboard the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group as part of their spring deployment of the Asia-Pacific region.

Dutch Marines with 32nd Raiding Company provide security in a Mercedes-Benz G-class utility vehicle for a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 7-ton during a casualty evacuation exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 22, 2016. The Dutch Marines spent the past three weeks utilizing Camp Lejeune’s training facilities, as well as cross-trained with U.S. Marines to learn and share tactics, techniques and procedures. - Dutch Marines with 32nd Raiding Company provide security in a Mercedes-Benz G-class utility vehicle for a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 7-ton during a casualty evacuation exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 22, 2016. The Dutch Marines spent the past three weeks utilizing Camp Lejeune’s training facilities, as well as cross-trained with U.S. Marines to learn and share tactics, techniques and procedures.

Lt. Col. Kris Faught speaks to Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 before the first RQ-21A Blackjack flight into Class D airspace over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, March 21, 2016. The RQ-21A Blackjack system is modular, flexible and multi-mission capable, providing roll-on, roll-off transitions between land and maritime environments. Faught is the commanding officer of VMU-2. - Lt. Col. Kris Faught speaks to Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 before the first RQ-21A Blackjack flight into Class D airspace over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, March 21, 2016. The RQ-21A Blackjack system is modular, flexible and multi-mission capable, providing roll-on, roll-off transitions between land and maritime environments. Faught is the commanding officer of VMU-2.

A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion breaches a door with a Mossberg 500 shotgun during the assault breaching portion of the battalion’s sapper squad competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 22, 2016. The competition was organized to determine the most proficient squads in the battalion while simultaneously challenging squads in the execution of combat engineer-based tasks. - A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion breaches a door with a Mossberg 500 shotgun during the assault breaching portion of the battalion’s sapper squad competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 22, 2016. The competition was organized to determine the most proficient squads in the battalion while simultaneously challenging squads in the execution of combat engineer-based tasks.

A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion performs rifle drills during a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group March 17, 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The shooting package helps to better prepare these Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion performs rifle drills during a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group March 17, 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The shooting package helps to better prepare these Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Phil Mayer, and explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, listens to Moroccan soldiers as they conduct ordnance reconnaissance on an inert mortar during a training exercise in Kenitra, Morocco, March 15, 2016. Students from across the Moroccan military branches are working together with U.S. Marine and Utah Air National Guard explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Utah National Guard engineers to build up Morocco’s demining capabilities. The training is part of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program which has been assisting partner nations in developing their mine action capacity since 1988. - U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Phil Mayer, and explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, listens to Moroccan soldiers as they conduct ordnance reconnaissance on an inert mortar during a training exercise in Kenitra, Morocco, March 15, 2016. Students from across the Moroccan military branches are working together with U.S. Marine and Utah Air National Guard explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Utah National Guard engineers to build up Morocco’s demining capabilities. The training is part of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program which has been assisting partner nations in developing their mine action capacity since 1988.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 drive stakes into the ground around the perimeter of a vertical take-off and landing pad during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, March 17, 2016. The MCCRE, which went from March 14-18, tested MWSS-272’s ability to build an AM-2 aluminum matting V/TOL pad ready to accept incoming aircraft. MWSS-272 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 drive stakes into the ground around the perimeter of a vertical take-off and landing pad during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, March 17, 2016. The MCCRE, which went from March 14-18, tested MWSS-272’s ability to build an AM-2 aluminum matting V/TOL pad ready to accept incoming aircraft. MWSS-272 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Senegalese soldiers completed a month-long training exercise with U.S. Marines, March 18, at a military training facility in Thies, Senegal. U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, trained their counterparts with Senegal’s Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando, or COFUMACO, in infantry tactics, making this the 10th training engagement the forces. In an effort to combat illicit trafficking in the region, the Marines were in Senegal at the request of the host nation government in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. The Marines trained with the COFUMACO in Toubacouta in the southern part of the country for two weeks before moving up to Thies. - Senegalese soldiers completed a month-long training exercise with U.S. Marines, March 18, at a military training facility in Thies, Senegal. U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, trained their counterparts with Senegal’s Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando, or COFUMACO, in infantry tactics, making this the 10th training engagement the forces. In an effort to combat illicit trafficking in the region, the Marines were in Senegal at the request of the host nation government in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. The Marines trained with the COFUMACO in Toubacouta in the southern part of the country for two weeks before moving up to Thies.

Sgt. Matthew Parker (ret.) speaks to a group of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Marines during his Silver Star ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. Parker was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, where assumed control of his platoon during a firefight after several leaders had been injured. - Sgt. Matthew Parker (ret.) speaks to a group of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Marines during his Silver Star ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. Parker was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, where assumed control of his platoon during a firefight after several leaders had been injured.

The local community lined the streets and cheered on the ruckers as they finished the Marine Raider Memorial March outside the Stone Bay main gate, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 21, 2016. The Marine Raider Memorial March was designed to honor the seven Marine Raiders who died on March 10, 2015 and their families, as well as bring awareness to their sacrifice. The ruckers were made up of both active duty and former Raiders, family members, and close friends. Following the conclusion of the March there was a short ceremony to honor the fallen. - The local community lined the streets and cheered on the ruckers as they finished the Marine Raider Memorial March outside the Stone Bay main gate, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 21, 2016. The Marine Raider Memorial March was designed to honor the seven Marine Raiders who died on March 10, 2015 and their families, as well as bring awareness to their sacrifice. The ruckers were made up of both active duty and former Raiders, family members, and close friends. Following the conclusion of the March there was a short ceremony to honor the fallen.

A pilot greets his family at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, March 15, 2016. More than 180 Marines and 10 F/A-18D Hornet aircraft have been deployed to the Western Pacific since October 2015 as part of the Unit Deployment Program. The pilot is with VMFA(AW)-224. - A pilot greets his family at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, March 15, 2016. More than 180 Marines and 10 F/A-18D Hornet aircraft have been deployed to the Western Pacific since October 2015 as part of the Unit Deployment Program. The pilot is with VMFA(AW)-224.

Cpl. Zachary Summers, a radio operator with 3rd Radio Battalion, combat glides toward a target shooting his M9 Service Pistol during a Pacific Combat Shooting Match at the Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 16, 2016. Teams from different units used various weapons and tactics to achieve the fastest time possible on different courses of fire, while earning points for awards during the competition. Marines from the Marine Corps Combat Shooting Team instructed and gave advice to the Marines participating in the event. - Cpl. Zachary Summers, a radio operator with 3rd Radio Battalion, combat glides toward a target shooting his M9 Service Pistol during a Pacific Combat Shooting Match at the Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 16, 2016. Teams from different units used various weapons and tactics to achieve the fastest time possible on different courses of fire, while earning points for awards during the competition. Marines from the Marine Corps Combat Shooting Team instructed and gave advice to the Marines participating in the event.

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Inert grenades (dummy), non-exploding practice tools, sit on a table where Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion will pick them up before taking part in an assault course with grenade training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 16, 2016. This drill is part of an annual training event to prepare them for combat situations when they are called upon to deploy. Marines took turns providing cover fire for their partner, allowing them to throw a dummy grenade near the simulated enemy position. - Inert grenades (dummy), non-exploding practice tools, sit on a table where Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion will pick them up before taking part in an assault course with grenade training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 16, 2016. This drill is part of an annual training event to prepare them for combat situations when they are called upon to deploy. Marines took turns providing cover fire for their partner, allowing them to throw a dummy grenade near the simulated enemy position.

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Members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 and Japan Air Self-Defense pose for a photo in front of an F/A-18A and two F-15s at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 17, 2016. VMFA-314, home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, temporarily deployed to MCAS Iwakuni for a six month rotation with the unit deployment program, is forward deployed to Komatsu, Japan for the ATR. - Members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 and Japan Air Self-Defense pose for a photo in front of an F/A-18A and two F-15s at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 17, 2016. VMFA-314, home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, temporarily deployed to MCAS Iwakuni for a six month rotation with the unit deployment program, is forward deployed to Komatsu, Japan for the ATR.

The Marine Corps Tactical Service Orientated Architecture will allow users to request and share mission-critical information on-demand. TSOA is a software platform that will be installed in combat operation centers, allowing for the sharing of data between COCs across the Corps. This removes the need to depend on multiple independent tactical data systems, which are not always compatible. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. David Staten) - The Marine Corps Tactical Service Orientated Architecture will allow users to request and share mission-critical information on-demand. TSOA is a software platform that will be installed in combat operation centers, allowing for the sharing of data between COCs across the Corps. This removes the need to depend on multiple independent tactical data systems, which are not always compatible. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. David Staten)

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 “Green Knights” flies alongside a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 over Southern California, March 8, 2016. The two F-35Bs completed additional training after successfully conducting an aerial refuel with VMGR-352. - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 “Green Knights” flies alongside a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 over Southern California, March 8, 2016. The two F-35Bs completed additional training after successfully conducting an aerial refuel with VMGR-352.

Marines give civilian media a ride in the inside the Amphibious Assault Vehicle Survivability Upgrade at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., March 15, 2016. The AAV SU, or amphibious assault vehicle survivability upgrade, will build upon the existing hull. The upgrades include additional armor, blast-mitigating seats and spall liners. They may also include fuel tank protection and automotive and suspension upgrades to keep both land and sea mobility regardless of the added weight. - Marines give civilian media a ride in the inside the Amphibious Assault Vehicle Survivability Upgrade at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., March 15, 2016. The AAV SU, or amphibious assault vehicle survivability upgrade, will build upon the existing hull. The upgrades include additional armor, blast-mitigating seats and spall liners. They may also include fuel tank protection and automotive and suspension upgrades to keep both land and sea mobility regardless of the added weight.

U.S. Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marines Corps, New Zealand Army and Australian Army conduct amphibious assault training at Doksukri Beach, South Korea, March 12, 2016, during Exercise Ssang Yong 16. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial military exercise focused on strengthening the amphibious landing capabilities of the U.S. and its allies. - U.S. Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marines Corps, New Zealand Army and Australian Army conduct amphibious assault training at Doksukri Beach, South Korea, March 12, 2016, during Exercise Ssang Yong 16. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial military exercise focused on strengthening the amphibious landing capabilities of the U.S. and its allies.

Female veterans and active duty and future Marines were united March, 11, 2016 by the Women’s Marine Association to recognize Women’s History Month and celebrate the 73rd anniversary of proudly serving in the Marine Corps. - Female veterans and active duty and future Marines were united March, 11, 2016 by the Women’s Marine Association to recognize Women’s History Month and celebrate the 73rd anniversary of proudly serving in the Marine Corps.